Post op from lumpectomy and radiotherapy

Hi

I had my lumpectomy on Thursday and a few lymph nodes removed which went well. I took some stronger painkillers that first night but have been ok since. The wound is a little sore as you’d expect but not so bad as to stop me doing anything.

you are advised not to do any heavy lifting ( or trampolining :).

ahead of the surgery I pre prepared meals that I could reheat in the oven/ microwave so I didn’t have to cook and got on top of chores so they didn’t need doing either.

Accept any help that’s offered.

Sending positive vibes and big hugs

M

Thanks for your advice. I'm sure things will be fine, just panicking a bit ATM. 

That’s completely understandable, I was the same but it wasn’t as bad as I’d imagined.

xxx

Hi Lmac , each operation is different, depending on the size and location of what’s being removed. I was a special needs teacher when I had my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. In my case the incision was much bigger than I’d anticipated, and after thinking I’d go back to work after a couple of weeks, I ended up signed off for 4 months. So I was off for the op and 3 weeks radiotherapy plus a further 4 weeks. My job involved a lot of moving and handling as my students had a lot of physical needs. Their movements could also be unpredictable. I felt vulnerable when I went back, even after all that time. Your situation may be very different, but I’m just wondering if it would be possible to get more care in at least immediately post op? Just so that you have a chance to see how you are once the op is done. The helpline here at MacMillan could be really helpful I think, as they would hopefully be able to advise re possible sources of support? Good luck with it all, a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming without the extra concerns that you have. Sending love and a big virtual hug, HFxx

Hi Lmac

Recovery from this op will vary person to person. I was okay after surgery and could manage anything for myself but don’t think I could have cared for anyone else initially. After two weeks I was pretty much back to normal but still being a bit cautious. By the time I went for my results four weeks later I was totally fine, back doing all my usual activities and felt as if it had never happened. 

Effects of radiotherapy will again be different for each person. I didn’t have any issues at all during or for two weeks after my last treatment (5 days) but then had a weekend when I was exhausted. I slept lots and it seemed to pass after a couple of days. 

No wonder you are feeling overwhelmed, you’ve got a lot on at the moment. You’ll be in safe hands though and I hope your recovery is straightforward. x 

Thank you for your kind response. I'm meeting with the carers coordinator to arrange more support for my husband and my daughter is working Flexi time to help me at home too. I've a week to get things sorted before my op.

Thank you for your kindness. I've a constant headache and I'm sure it's just stress worrying about my husband and how he will cope and the uncertainty of hospital as I've only ever been in for the birth of my two children and that was very smooth. I'll get there and my circle of friends will help me lots as will this group x